Page 57 of Stranded with the Billionaire
“Then I will make sure to be nice to you,” Jake gave her hand a squeeze.
“Why don’t the two of you go down to the Milk Box and enjoy lunch?” Dixby decided to interrupt. “I’m going to organize the troops to get your parents moved back in to their own home.”
“That sounds like a really good idea,” Paisley slipped her arm into her husbands. “I know we’ll look forward to being back in our own house again.”
“Are you sure you don’t want us to help?” Sterling asked.
“You two go and enjoy yourselves,” Paisley was determined. She could see where this might head and she liked the idea of Jake for a son-in-law at a future date.
“Shall we?” Jake offered to Sterling. “I have it on the best authority that the Milk Box is the only place to get ice cream.”
“The best authority?” Sterling raised an eyebrow.
“Joy told me so,” Jake smiled at the little girl who was still perched on Dixby’s shoulders.
“Well then, it must be true,” Sterling declared.
Jake escorted Sterling as she crutched along beside him. “How long until you can walk without crutches?”
“The doctor wants to wait a couple of weeks and then start physical therapy. What happened to your car?” Sterling asked in disbelief. The rental was covered with dried dirt and mud, the front bumper dented and the windshield had at least three sizable stone chips.
“Oh, Dixby and I went mudding,” Jake said casually as he unlocked it.
“Mudding?” Sterling looked up at Jake in surprise. He really didn’t seem the type. “In a car?”
“A farmer named Rudley had to pull it out with his tractor,” he admitted as he opened the passenger door for her. “I expect the rental company isn’t going to be very pleased.”
“When did you meet Dixby?” Sterling wondered.
“Yesterday. He was kind enough to give me a country tour,” Jake grinned. He took Sterling’s crutches, setting them in the back seat as she got comfortable. “He even let me stay overnight as his place. He filled me in on all sorts of interesting things about your childhood.”
“Remind me to have a word with him later,” Sterling rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad the two of you are getting along.”
“I think I’m going to like spending holidays here. That is, if we do continue dating,” Jake gave Sterling a sideways look as he settled behind the wheel of the car. “You don’t happen to have a flare gun on you?”
“No,” Sterling frowned at him. “Why would you even ask that?”
“Well, Dixby told me why you threatened him with one,” Jake responded. “I’d hate for the same thing to happen to me if I start talking about a future with you.”
“I’m going to have a word with Dixby about sharing personal stories,” Sterling gave Jake a little shove on his arm then looked at him in surprise. “Does that mean you want a future with me?”
“Does the idea make you want to point a flare gun at me?” Jake asked, watching her intently.
“I like the idea,” Sterling said softly.
Jake smiled as he leaned over to give her a kiss. Sterling happily returned it.
